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OSWALD EDWARD WHITTEN
Born: Jul 18, 1926
Date of Passing: Jan 28, 2013
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryOSWALD EDWARD WHITTEN July 18, 1926 - January 28, 2013 Peacefully, after a lengthy struggle with vascular dementia, Ozzie passed away at Deer Lodge Centre at the age of 86 years. Left to cherish Ozzie's memory are his partner and best friend, Russ Thompson; sister Donna Magee of Melfort, SK; brother Wally Whitten of Boissevain, MB; sister-in-law Sylvia Whitten of High River, AB; brother-in-law Bill McMechan of Kelowna, B.C.; as well as nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents John and Debby (Smithson); sister Vera McMechan and brother Bob Whitten. Ozzie was born in Pipestone, MB and grew up on the family farm near Elgin, MB. He taught school briefly near Hartney, MB before being drafted into the army in 1944. After his discharge in 1945, Ozzie worked for the Canadian Bank of Commerce for 10 years, at branches in SK, northwest ON and in Winnipeg. He grew tired of balancing people's cheque books and cleaning out files however, and his earlier short stint as a teacher beckoned him back. In the late 1950s he enrolled at United College (U. of W.) and obtained his degree. His high school teaching career began in Roland, MB, and continued in Gladstone, MB, for 27 years before his relocation to Charleswood in 1994. Ozzie loved language and taught French and English throughout his career. He continued his studies with courses at the Université de Laval in Quebec City and at the Université de Poitiers' Language Institute in Tours, France. He also taught for a year in Lachute, Quebec at the height of the F.L.Q. Crisis in 1970. Another love of Ozzie's life was drama and he produced many musicals and plays while in Gladstone. He even took drama classes at the Banff School of Fine Arts where one of his classmates was a young Michael J. Fox! And all this from a farm boy who did so poorly in school that he had to repeat part of his grade 12 in order to get his high school diploma! Perhaps Ozzie's greatest passion was art. He loved to interpret the works of the Impressionists and his paintings are in private collections in many parts of the world. Travel was also a great part of Ozzie's life and, with his partner, there were many trips to Mexico, the USA, New Zealand, the Caribbean and Europe, especially France and Portugal. Spending a month in Paris would be a highlight in anyone's life. Ozzie loved to cook, loved a good party and loved good times with good friends. In short, he loved life and loved people! Our great thanks to all the staff and caregivers on T3 at Deer Lodge Centre. Their kindness and devotion was exemplary through Ozzie's months of residency, and they became our friends. A reception celebrating Ozzie's life will be held at Charleswood United Church, 4820 Roblin Boulevard on Thursday, March 7, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. Richard Wojcik, Funeral Director of Wojcik's Funeral Chapel Crematorium, is in care of arrangements, 204 897 - 4665. Ozzie, it's been a pleasure and a privilege knowing you, and a heck of a lot of fun!
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 16, 2013
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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Ozzie, as he was known, was a teacher in whose classroom I ended up taking most of my spares. I got my homework done, read my books, and was able to absorb some French which was taught in that French/English accent. Some of that French helped me later when I became a teacher. Ozzie was a people person as was evidenced when I saw him last at the 125th anniversary celebration in Gladstone. He visited non-stop! Bon Voyage Mr. Whitten. - Posted by: Diedrich Toews (school) on: Mar 05, 2013
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Ozzie came into my life in his later years and known to me as Ozzie and Russ. Prior to his illness I was entertained in his home many times, shared meals and good times together. We had many lively telephone conversations and lots of laughs together. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. My sincere condolences to Russ and Ozzie's friends and flmily - Posted by: Barrie W Martin (Friend) on: Mar 02, 2013
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Russ our thoughts are with you. We know that Ozzie is in a better place. Our children both were loved and cared for by both of you. You are our extended family and will hold both in our hearts forever. With love Lopes family. - Posted by: John & Claudalle Lopes (Neighbours) on: Feb 25, 2013
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I was Ozzie's "favorite sister-in-law" also his only one. I will miss him. He was a very special person to me. - Posted by: Sylvia Whitten (sister in law) on: Feb 25, 2013
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We knew Ozzie and Russ for many years in Winnipeg, and often visited Ozzie in Gladstone on our trips to the valley near Roblin. The obituary got it right when it said Ozzie "loved life and loved people." He was full of life and a pleasure to be around. We have a number of paintings to remember him by. Our condolences go out to Russ and family. - Posted by: Devron and Frank (Friends) on: Feb 24, 2013
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I always enjoyed French and I credit "Mr. Whitten" for that, and he inspired a lot of people in drama during his time at WMCI. I always enjoyed his visits and paintings when he & Russell came out to the Gladstone Fair. I think the last time was Gladstone's 125th Celebrations. He will be truly missed. - Posted by: JoAnn Beavington (taught me French in the 60's and worked with him in the drama productions) on: Feb 19, 2013
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So sorry to hear of Ozzie's passing. I loved him as my French teacher....he was great...and he did so much for all the WMCI drama productions...he lived just down the street (Jamaica Street) from my grandma and he always walked so fast!!! A lovely man who will be so missed... - Posted by: Monica Radford Ferguson (student at WMCI, Gladstone) on: Feb 16, 2013
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I have very fond memories of Ozzie Whitten - I was a student of his in Gladstone in the late '70s, and was extremely lucky to have had him as a teacher for English and French. I know that for many of us, his stories about traveling helped spark a lifelong interest in the larger world outside of our little town. He also ran what I now realize to be top-notch drama programme. I am so sorry to hear of his illness and passing, but very glad to have known him. - Posted by: Penny (Graham) Staples (ex-student) on: Feb 16, 2013
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Condolences to Russ We have so many good memories of Gladstone and Charleswood with both of you. Ozzie will always be remembered as that mischievous, fun-loving, intelligent, wonderful host, and in our home, and in many of our friends homes, through his art. - Posted by: Bill and Lloyd (Friends) on: Feb 16, 2013
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